LOUISVILLE, KY -- A new control system for transport refrigeration units uses "distributed electronics," placing modules around the unit for better reliability and performance, Carrier Transicold said Wednesday in an announcement at the Mid-America Trucking Show.

Called APX, which is short for "apex," the system includes a large, bright display with a simplified user interface; greater memory; and an expanded range of applications for unit customization. APX is optional on Carrier's X2 series of refrigeration units, said Dave Kiefer, director of marketing and product management

For its hardware, APX takes what was formerly housed in a single large metal control box and splits it into compact, sealed subcomponents. They include main microprocessor controls, a large display module with an illuminated information dashboard, and a power-control module. The microprocessor is driven by a powerful operating system, familiar in many ways to users of Carrier's Advance controllers.

The display has a large, vivid color screen that can be read at a distance, offers push-button simplicity and, with fewer keystrokes, shows five lines of information to aid mechanics in getting a full idea of a TRU's condition. The display module sports a USB dock to facilitate data downloads and software uploads.

Information and driver prompts are in the user's choice of English, Spanish, French or Portuguese. Large raised silicone backlit buttons that can easily be pushed with a gloved hand, and menu-driven simplicity help to minimize operator error. Fewer keystrokes than with previous systems make operation easier.

Exclusive to the APX display module is the ability to display data recorder trip graphs - an at-a-glance visual indicator of conditions within the trailer throughout a delivery run. The built-in data recorder has four times the memory capacity of Carrier's Advance controller, the forerunner to APX.

All modules use CAN-bus communications protocols, an automotive industry standard that is also used on Class 8 tractors. "CAN-bus makes system expansion - adding modules for expanded capabilities - as simple as plug-and-play," Kiefer said. "A system manufactured today can be easily upgraded with future hardware capabilities by adding new modules in 'daisy-chain' fashion."

The APX system's efficient placement of hardware components results in reduced complexity and greater reliability. The wiring harness has fewer connections and weighs 40 percent less, due to shorter wiring runs, he said.

The USB port provides convenient downloads of trip data reports onto a jump
drive (memory stick). Programming uploads can be done the same way, using the APX USB port and Carrier Transicold's new TRU-Tech PC software for reefer set-up, upgrades, diagnostics and system overrides.

The APX control module offers three user modes: for drivers, technicians and an advanced mode for experienced operators. It also has DataTrak for wireless monitoring, control and data transfers, as well as interface with telematics providers for Wi-Fi, RF, cellular and satellite communications.

APX also introduces a new app, Virtual Tech comprehensive diagnostic software that runs continuously in the background, monitoring the TRU to help to avert system problems.